Changing employer after 2 years on EU Blue Card within Belgium

apoorvquanta New member

Member since 08 November 2022

apoorvquantaNew member08 October 2024 21:48:48

Hello all,

I browsed through the different threads around this topic but couldn't find any with relevant information. Therefore I am starting this thread to get some answers also with a view for others to seek help in the future.

I will complete 2 years on my first EU blue card in Dec 2024 and it is already submitted for renewal. Today I got the approval for Work Permit renewal for next 3 years & it is no more bound by the current employer. I wanted to ask that in case I find a new job after the renewal, what will be the process to start the new employment? I know that a fresh Single Permit is not required in this case but not sure what procedure to follow to switch the job and usually how much time does it take

Regards

maharaji1984 Serial expat

Member since 30 September 2022

maharaji1984Serial expat09 October 2024 07:36:50

477

If it is not bound by your current employer then how you get it ? Did you apply yourself ? If so whenever you want you can change your employer.

But if work permit is linked to a company no matter how long valid, then future employer need to apply for a new WP.

Its not complicated as much as first one is. You just let future employer know that they need to apply for it.

HR just doing it with a few documents that will be asked from your side.

Good luck,

apoorvquanta New member

Member since 08 November 2022

apoorvquantaNew member09 October 2024 12:02:31

[at]maharaji1984 That is not entirely true. Indeed that is a benefit on EU Blue card that when you get the first Work permit approved, your access to Labour Market is 'Limited' and that means bound to your current employer.

However, after completing 2 years, once your current employer applies for renewal, then in your renewed 'Work Permit', your access to Labour Market changes to 'Unlimited' which means you are allowed to change employers without having to go through a fresh Single Permit process again.

Having known this, I wanted to know whether someone has taken advantage of this and if yes, what does one need to do in case of switching employers?

Since I am going through this at the moment, I will keep this thread updated with how the process went for me. Hope it can help some of us in relevant situation